March 2012
Index Select Annuity 5 And 7 Launches!
On March 1, The Standard will launch our Index Select Annuity 5 and 7 (ISA), a single premium deferred index annuity. The ISA is an exciting addition to our product lineup and was designed to offer policyholders an ideal combination of growth potential, safety and tax deferral. We believe the ISA is a great choice for disciplined savers who want to benefit from an index annuity with the highest cap rate available at The Standard.
The ISA is available now in all states except CA, CT and DE.* We're working diligently to garner approval in those three remaining states. Take a look at all the advantages of the ISA 5 and 7. We think you'll like what you see.
Rich Lane
Director, Sales & Marketing
* The Standard does not offer annuity products in New York.
Reminder — Commission Schedule Changes At The Standard
Effective February 15, 2012, The Standard implemented new, updated annuity commission schedules. The schedules include commission reductions on many of our deferred annuity products. Lowering our commissions was not an easy decision to make. As yields improve, we will consider raising commissions when it makes sense. Please note that commissions on our Focused Growth Annuity 5 and 6 and our Immediate annuities did not change.
You may access our sales and marketing materials along with current interest rates on our website. Thank you for your business and your understanding as we continue to provide fixed annuities that provide true value to you and your clients.
Take Advantage Of The Standard's 45-Day Rate Lock
In this ever-fluctuating interest rate environment, remember to help your clients take advantage of The Standard's generous rate lock practice. We will lock a rate for 45 days from the day we receive the original application. If the expected premium is received within the 45-day period, your client will receive whichever rate is higher — the held interest crediting or cap rate, or the interest crediting or cap rate in effect the day the premium is received. However, we do not rate-lock the fixed account crediting rate on our index annuities.
How to ensure your client benefits from our rate lock practice:
- If rates are improving — make sure the original application and all required supplement forms are signed and dated on or after the rate change.
- If rates are decreasing, make sure the original application and all required supplemental forms are signed and dated before the rate change takes effect, and that the original documents are received in our home office within four business days.
How Attractive Are Our Safe Money Choices Today?
By Sheryl Moore, AnnuityNews.com
Since the United States stock market collapse of 2008, millions of Americans have seen their retirement savings dwindle. Many of these savers had their nest eggs exposed to the equities markets, and have subsequently suffered two periods of extreme losses in one decade. As a result, "safe money places" are getting a lot of attention.
So, what are safe money places?
Producer Advisory
Please review this recent compliance alert.
Kentucky — Regulation: 806 KAR 9:020: Use of Professional Designations and Senior-Specific Certifications
Annuity News is an online newsletter for annuities producers of The Standard.
Subscribe now.